Theory
Test
Before you can drive a car in
Ireland (even under instruction) you need to 1st
get your Learner Permit, also known as the provisional
licence. Before you get this you must pass the Theory test.
The Theory test, introduced in 2001, will test you on:
-
The
Rules
of the Road
-
Risk perception
-
Eco-driving
-
Hazard awareness and
-
Good driving behaviour.
The test can be booked online
at
www.theorytest.ie
or by calling
1890 606 106
Monday to Friday 8:00am to 6:00pm.
Postal Applications are
available at Driver Theory Test Centres and Motor Taxation
Offices and should be sent to
Driver Theory Test,
PO Box 788,
Togher, Cork
(Please do not send your application form to the Driver
Theory Test Centre).
To study for the Theory test
applicants should obtain the latest edition of
The Official Driver Theory Test Book and CD
roms, available from all good bookshops.
To
pass you must get at least 35 out of 40 questions correct
and considering this will teach you the basics of what you
can and cannot do on the roads for your full driving
lifetime it is worth making the effort to learn it all now.
A common problem facing learner drivers is that they do not
know who has the right of way or hesitate as they do not
know what particular signs mean (such as filter arrows) so
getting the basics right now will pay dividends further down
the line.
The
test itself is a computerised test using either a touch
screen or a mouse and keyboard. A short practice section is
available before you start to help familiarise yourself with
the computer and you do not need to be computer literate in
any way to pass. If you feel you made a mistake or changed
your mind you can change your answer or come back to it
later. At the end you also get another chance to review all
answers and alter them if necessary.
If you have any difficulty
with reading, there is a 'voice over' option that will read
out the questions to you. Appropriate pictures or colours
will indicate the different answers on the screen and you
select your answer by touching the picture or colour. There
is also the facility for the test to be conducted in Irish.
The test is scored
automatically and results are made available to you
immediately. If you have passed a certificate will be
presented to you to confirm you have successfully completed
the Driver Theory test and can now request your learner
permit.
Obtaining
your Learner Permit
Once you have passed the theory test you need
get your eyes tested and have an eyesight
report that allows you to drive.
2
Passport Photos
Proof of ID
such as copy of Passport
or Birth Certificate
You must complete an
application form D.201(available in Garda stations)
To apply by post, send all of the above to the address below
and you should receive your licence within 2 weeks.
Licensing Authority,
River House,
Chancery Street,
Dublin 7
You cannot take a driving
test for at least six months after getting your first
learner permit.
Once you have received your
licence you are free to start learning. It is highly
recommended that you take professional tuition in order to
learn good habits from the start and not pick up bad habits
from family or friends. When choosing a driving instructor
you must 1st ensure they are ADI registered.
In 2008 the RSA introduced a
scheme whereby all Driving Instructors had to pass 3 exams
and only those who reached the standard set are allowed to
give driving tuition for monetary reward. A list of all
Approved Driving Instructors is available on the RSA website
(www.rsa.ie).
ADI’s also have an identity card which should be requested
at the same time as showing your provisional licence.
